Restraining order issued against age restriction

Restraining order issued against age restriction

Louisiana court officials facing new age restrictions that could oust them from office will instead be allowed to sign up for re-election bids next week.

A Baton Rouge judge has issued a temporary restraining order against a law that prohibits anyone 70 years old or older from running for justice of the peace or constable.

District Judge Tim Kelley granted the request from the Louisiana Justice of the Peace and Constables Association, which has filed a lawsuit claiming the restriction is unconstitutional.

A law that sets the mandatory retirement age of 70 for the court officials has been on the books since 2006, but it excluded anyone elected before then. Sen. Elbert Guillory’s bill removed that exemption.

Kelley’s order allows anyone exempted before Guillory’s bill to sign up for re-election.